A Walk Through Essex

Fall in New England is such a special time of the year. With the cool weather beginning to take form, leaves change and the landscape of New England can take your breathe away. 

Photo credit Charging You Up

One quintessential New England town quite rich in history is Essex. Apart from the boutiques and boating that covers the downtown area, the town has a rich history and is full of majestic trees, gardens and architecture. Originally called Potopaug by local Indians, the Essex area was first settled by English colonists in 1645.

Photo credit Charging You Up

It was the first wharf for West Indies trade in the last 1600's. A Steamboat Dock building was erected at the Foot of Main Street and housed rum, sugar, tobacco and molasses. Essex became the main port of Saybrook and remained so until 1871. Shipping in Essex began in the early part of the 1700's with the construction of the Hayden shipyard. The same yard that build Connecticut's first warship of the Continental Navy, the Oliver Cromwell in 1776. Essex became a major ship building center. Many captains and navy men settled here and many of the historic homes that adorn the streets of downtown Essex, were the homes of these men. 

Photo credit Charging You Up

 Essex consists of 3 townships. Ivoryton, Essex and Centerbrook and is located halfway between Boston and New York City. There is surprisingly a lot to do in this small community as well. Visitors can visit the Ivoryton Playhouse, Essex Steam Train and River Boat ride and the Connecticut River Museum to name a few. Beside that, the community is home to the Sailing Masters of 1812 whose members are attired in the uniforms of the traditional navy midshipmen of that era. 

The Griswald Inn. Photo credit Charging You Up

Photo credit Charing You Up

It also hosts the countries oldest operating Inn, The Griswald Inn. We could not come to Essex without checking this out. The Gris as it is often called opened it's doors for business in 1776 offering fine food, drink and lodging that continues today, 365 days a year ever since. although other establishments might have been open during this year, The Griswald Inn prides itself of never having to close periodically or for years between owners which some other establishments have. In fact, the Inn has had only 6 families own it. Right when you walk in through the doors you can see that not much has changed. The front parlor is adorn with an antique popcorn machine, rustic fireplace and a Gothic steamboat bar. We were happy to have the chance to stand at the bar and have a drink in this precious establishment. Other rooms include the Gun room which has several firearms from the Revolutionary War and 15th century on display and the Library room which holds antique books. 

Library Room. Photo credit Charging You Up

Photo credit Charging You Up

The shops downtown are as equally charming. Boutique toy stores, a Christmas shop, pet decor shop and Ashley's Ice cream. The entire area was decorated for Halloween with festive scarecrows decorating many of the lampposts and residents who decorated their own yards with goblins and skeletons. 

There is still some time to take in the breathtaking views of fall in Essex. Take a drive and enjoy the beauty!